Clinical Core Services: Database Access

To request Clinical Core Services, please complete the Query Request Form. Questions concerning guidance in competing the form should be directed to Debbie Gudonis, Clinical Core Research Coordinator. Questions concerning study design or availability of services should be directed to Ian Frank, Director, Clinical Core or Robert Gross, Co-Director, Clinical Core.

The Clinical Core provides access to CFAR investigators who want to directly query the Database and Specimen Repository either in preparation for research (e.g., to check for the availability of specimens in the Adult/Adolescent Specimen Repository with specified characteristics) or the carry out retrospective studies with existing data. Click here to access the database! Please contact Amy Onorato to receive a username and password. A FAQ sheet is available here for instructions on accessing and utilizing the data.

If you require a more complex query than you can perform on your own or need more guidance in accessing the data, please complete the Query Request Form. Questions concerning guidance in completing the form should be directed to Debbie Gudonis, Clinical Core Research Coordinator. Questions concerning study design or availability of services should be directed to Ian Frank, Director, Clinical Core or Robert Gross, Co-Director, Clinical Core.

The Clinical Core Database

The Penn CFAR Clinical Core maintains and facilitates access to the Adult/Adolescent and Pediatric Databases for use in studying the clinical epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, for evaluating the feasibility of interventional studies, and for facilitating the conduct of such studies. The Clinical Core Databases can be used to identify potential subjects for study or can be used as a tool for independent clinical investigation.

Examples of data available to investigators include:

Demographics

Medical History and Diagnoses

Antiretroviral Treatments

Adherence Questions

Viral Hepatitis Test Results and Treatment History

Clinical Laboratory Measures

Alcohol and Drug Use

Sexual History

Depression

Healthcare Utilization

For a further look at the available information, you can download the Case Report Form (CRF) that patients are given at intake and the Follow-up CRF that is done at subsequent visits. Data concerning sexual risk behaviors and substance use are still collected with these forms. NOTE ON AVAILABLE DATA: As of May 2015 we are collecting more detailed data on Pill use-specifically prescription opiates, MDMA, benzodiazepines and sedatives. All data collected prior to May 2015 will not include this breakdown (i.e. will only say pills).

In addition, data is available from the Penn Data Store, the central repository of clinical data from outpatient and inpatient records maintained within the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Data from all healthcare encounters, laboratory and radiology test results, procedure records, time updated medication lists, and diagnostic and therapeutic services performed within the Penn Healthcare System are available.

To request database access or if you have questions about the Adult/Adolescent Database, please complete the Query Request Form and or contact Debbie Gudonis.

Access or questions regarding the Pediatric Database should be sent to Rick Rutstein, CFAR Clinical Core Co-Director for Pediatrics.